Re: When to take supplements and medications: full or empty stomach?

Medications are with food.

Vitamins and minerals are with food.

Herbs are best on an empty stomach in the majority of cases to prevent problems with absorption and to allow for faster absorption. There are exceptions to this rule, such as cayenne pepper.

Amino acids need to be taken on an empty stomach since they compete for absorption. Larger amino acids can block the absorption of smaller amino acids sharing the same transport chain.

A lot of manufacturers will say to take their supplements with food because they are worried that someone may get an upset stomach and sue them.